Which clinical finding would most likely indicate fluid overload in chronic kidney disease?

Which clinical finding would most likely indicate fluid overload in chronic kidney disease?

• A. Edema
• B. Hypotension
• C. Dry mucous membranes
• D. Weight loss

Answer: (A)

Fluid overload in chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys can’t excrete the extra salt and water, causing an expansion of extracellular fluid. Edema is the clearest sign of this excess interstitial fluid, often appearing in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes and potentially progressing to pulmonary edema if it worsens. Hypotension and dry mucous membranes point to volume depletion rather than excess fluid, and weight loss also suggests losing fluids or malnutrition rather than retaining them. Therefore, edema best reflects the fluid overload state in CKD.

Fluid overload in chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys can’t excrete the extra salt and water, causing an expansion of extracellular fluid. Edema is the clearest sign of this excess interstitial fluid, often appearing in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes and potentially progressing to pulmonary edema if it worsens. Hypotension and dry mucous membranes point to volume depletion rather than excess fluid, and weight loss also suggests losing fluids or malnutrition rather than retaining them. Therefore, edema best reflects the fluid overload state in CKD.